How to Secure Your Water Heater

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How to Secure Your Water Heater

Secure your water heater to minimize damage during a disaster

Securing a Water Heater

GIF image showing how to secure water heater to wall

Mark your water heater at the front center, about one-third of the way down from the top and approximately one-third of the way up from the bottom.
Ensure that the bottom mark is at least 4 inches above the water controls.
Secure the water heater with a 16- to 20-gauge, pre-drilled steel strap.
If you place the water heater on a pedestal, you must secure the pedestal to the wall or floor to keep it from moving out from under the water heater during an earthquake.

For more information on securing your water heater, contact your local emergency management office or utility.

Getting Water From A Water Heater

The water heater, if strapped properly, can be used as a backup source of drinking water in addition to the water you have already stored for emergencies.
To get water out of your water heater when the water is turned off, you will need to turn off the gas or electric supply to the heater.
Open a faucet located in the highest point of your home and then open the faucet at the bottom of the water heater. This allows the water to gravity feed from the tank.
The water that first comes from the tank may be full of rust and other deposits. This is normal for a water heater that has been in a home for a few years. Discard the discolored water. When the water becomes clear, it should be safe to drink.
If there is any question as to water purity.